Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Press Box

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The final weeks of 2009 finds the Northern Michigan University athletic schedule with home games for the fans and families to enjoy. Special deals are being offered for the post-Christmas basketball doubleheader.

Hockey (6-8-4, 5-6-3-0 CCHA) will close out the 2009 calendar with a non-conference single game against the Michigan Tech Huskies from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Friday night (Dec. 18) at 7:35 p.m. This will be the second game this season between the two U.P. schools as they met the first game of the season in Houghton with the Huskies taking a 5-3 decision. This game will be the Wildcats last game before playing at the Dodge Holiday Classic which will be held at the University of Minnesota (Jan. 2-3).

Earlier in the day there will be a Blue Line Luncheon at the University Center. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the cost per person is $8.50. The public is invited. Head coach Walt Kyle and selected Wildcats are scheduled to speak.

There will be a social for Blue Line and Wildcat Club members in the Wildcat Room beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 18) before the hockey game. During the first intermission will be the annual Teddy Bear Toss; all fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear to the game to toss onto the ice. The toss is being coordinated by the NMU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). All the teddy bears collected will be donated to the Mining Journal Cheer Club.

The NMU men’s (3-3, 1-2 GLIAC) and women’s (4-3, 2-1 GLIAC) basketball teams hit the road before Christmas for two conference games. Thursday (Dec. 17) the squads will be in Detroit taking on the Warriors of Wayne State University. The women play first at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men at approximately 7:30 p.m. This will be the second meeting for both this season. A couple of weeks ago In Marquette the women won its game against WSU (74-59) while the men lost (67-60).

Saturday (Dec. 19) the squads move up the road to take on the Timberwolves of Northwood. The women’s game is set for 1 p.m. with the men to follow at approximately 3 p.m. Both teams defeated the Timberwolves a couple of weeks ago in Marquette by scores of 88-76 for the women and 75-58 for the men.

After taking some time off for Christmas the teams come home for a doubleheader Dec. 29. The women face Minnesota-Duluth at 5:30 p.m. while the men take to the court against Bemidji State at approximately 7:30 p.m. The NMU women’s team faced the Bulldogs earlier in the season and lost 53-49.

A Holiday Special will be offered for the basketball games (Dec. 29). Tickets for groups of 15 or more people are available for $3 per person. Also children ages 6-18 will be admitted free to the games with a paid adult.